Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has fired back at Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stating that he refuses to descend into petty political squabbles or exchange insults.
Amaechi’s remarks come after Wike mocked him during a public event, claiming the former Rivers State governor’s recent comments about “hunger” during his 60th birthday were not about food, but a veiled desire for political power.
Wike’s Accusation
While addressing an audience, Wike took a swipe at Amaechi, saying:
“How can a man who was Speaker from 1999 to 2007, Governor from 2007 to 2015, and Minister from 2015 to 2023 suddenly talk about hunger? He’s not hungry for food—he’s hungry for power. From 1999 to 2023, he’s never been out of office, yet now he claims to be hungry?”
Wike also mocked Amaechi’s electoral record, saying he failed to deliver votes for then-President Buhari despite leading the campaign as Director-General.
Amaechi’s Response
In a Tuesday interview with Arise Television, Amaechi dismissed Wike’s comments, saying:
“I don’t engage in childish insults. I was his boss—whether he likes it or not. I hired him as Chief of Staff. I could have said no.”
He further added:
“I became governor through the will of God, Peter Odili, the judiciary, and the people of Rivers State—not Wike. I won’t argue with someone trying to revise history to fit his narrative.”
Revisiting a Long-Standing Feud
The feud between the two politicians—once allies—has been ongoing for years. In 2021, Wike claimed he played a pivotal role in making Amaechi governor, even referencing a church recording where Amaechi allegedly acknowledged him.
“I championed his governorship bid. He even offered me commissioner of finance, but I chose to remain Chief of Staff. Yet, he goes on TV to call me his employee,” Wike had stated.
Amaechi Denies Wike’s Claims
Amaechi firmly rejected that version of events:
“Ask him how he made me governor. I selected him as Chief of Staff so I could monitor him. I never offered him commissioner. He likes to claim every title—governor, minister, even local government chairman.”
He also criticized Wike’s political conduct, suggesting it lacks decorum:
“There’s no respect for family names anymore. Some people will say anything, do anything, just to stay relevant.”
Political Implications
The public war of words underscores the deep rift between two of Rivers State’s most influential politicians, both of whom have played major roles in national politics. As the 2027 elections approach, their ongoing rivalry is likely to influence political alignments in both Rivers and beyond.
